Release Date: 01-August-2009
Genre: Indie/Pop/Alternative
Format: MP3
SonicJive: http://www.sonicjive.com/angelaleo
Publisher: 2009 Angela Leo
Total Time: 32:54
Review Date: 28-December-2009
Track Listing:
01. Just Hold On 3:10
02. Unspared 3:50
03. You'd Be Here 3:52
04. Trying 4:01
05. Spring 3:06
06. Waves Of The Tide 3:47
07. The One 2:37
08. Initiates 2:44
09. Beach Song 2:57
10. This Morning 2:50
Review:
"Cognitive Dissonance", defined as having two contradictory ideas at the same time, is the stunning debut album from Angela Leo. A particularly vivid release, Angela crafts a portrait in exquisite beauty - one that haunts and captivates in equal measure. Cinematic in scope and inspired by personal experience, her music is sadly beautiful and tellingly convincing. Often the words "achingly poignant" are used when describing a release that emphasizes the forlorn and anguished, but that is a gross misuse of that descriptive. Achingly poignant fits here thematically because "Cognitive Dissonance" is not a reflection in melancholy but rather an allegory of solace. It resonates in dispassionate narratives minus the heavy heart and woebegone lyrical feel.
Settled within the over-populated cache that is the Los Angeles singer/songwriter indie music scene, it is certainly not easy to stand out in the crowd. Nonetheless, Angela Leo clenches her trump card firmly in hand: she’s equally talented at both performing and writing. Upon first listen, one gets the impression that Leo hears a musical mood first, and then puts lyrics to what she's hearing. Perhaps this is what gives her a sound that remains fresh and innovative throughout the LP. Vocally, Leo works effortlessly within her range. In fact, most of the songs are downplayed in composition, placing the emphasis squarely on Leo's vocals and the album's notable lyric content. Most of the songs are highly introspective. Hardened and hopeful, it seems as if Leo has been heavily pondering the direction of her life along with the places and people that have defined her path.
The elegant, primarily acoustic "Spring" is an absolute masterpiece. In addition to providing a brief acoustic bridge between "Trying" and "Waves Of The Tide", the music captures a combination of wistfulness and ethereal imagery. "Spring" pairs its verses with a glowing and slightly buoyant feel and conjoins a chorus that pushes this combination to its dreamy apex. "Spring" features a rich background arrangement elegantly accentuated with an underscored cello that fleshes out its lyrics in a quixotic fashion. This is the best acoustic poetry I have heard since Heart released "Dreamboat Annie".
Inspired by a fortune cookie, "Waves Of The Tide" is a dose of spiritual pep and happy innocence that perpetuates a cycle of inspiration through destiny, probability or just plain blind luck. Spectral and high-spirited, filled with finger-plucked acoustic guitars and electric folk melodies, Leo floats in on a warm breeze and dwells within. The message is clear - good things come to those who find the inner strength to wait out present circumstance. Musically, "Waves Of The Tide" envelopes the listener in a rich, layered sound that just feels good.
"Beach Song" uses an array of off-beat instrumentation and melodic structure that is a wonderful, lighthearted diversion to the overall theme of the album. It is a great discovery that will grow on you with each listen. "You'd Be Here" features understated backing cello and violin arrangements and is a desirous avidity for love. "The One" is a laid-back, mostly acoustic, Spanish-tinged jam that combines a sun-drenched SoCal mood with a delicious northern California twist. Both are great songs. "Trying" is another standout on the album.
Though she has stated that it had never been her intention to make a record, it is indeed time for Angela Leo to step into the limelight. Based on her debut release, her star is on permanent rise, and all indicators point to a path overflowing with success and accolades. What is so engaging about "Cognitive Dissonance" is how it grows with every listen. Each playback reveals distinct attenuation - a subtle string section, a backing harmony or piano part that had initially gone unnoticed. The arrangements are tightly constructed, offering few temperamental jumps between time signatures and crescendos. Additionally, acoustic guitars and instrumentation layer up on top of each other to create visually lush sequences. The occasional mood shifts certainly keep the listener interested, and with the more uptempo numbers the results are fantastic.
The best description of a great album is that upon first listen it lends itself to an entire world when you close your eyes and lose yourself within. If she has a career worth of songs like these, Angela Leo could find herself at the very top of her genre. Still, nothing wrong with having produced one of the most competent and sparkling debuts of the year. It's a wonderful start.
Michael Canter
www.sonicjive.com
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